The Maine State Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating a fireworks malfunction that injured three crew members during a display at Sunday River Ski Resort on Barker Mountain Road over the weekend.
According to officials, the incident occurred around 9:15 p.m. on Saturday, when a 5-inch firework shell and mortar tube failed during an Independence Day celebration show, causing an explosion. Three members of the Central Maine Pyrotechnics crew were injured.
Misty Mellor, 50, of Bath, an assistant on the display, sustained serious injuries and was airlifted to Maine Medical Center in Portland, where she remains hospitalized but is recovering, according to the State Fire Marshal’s Office
Jeremy Mitchell, 34, of Augusta, the lead technician, was treated at Rumford Hospital and released that evening.
Robert Bradford, 30, of Andover, another assistant, suffered minor injuries and did not require hospital transport.
No spectators were harmed, and the remainder of the fireworks show was canceled.
The State Fire Marshal’s Office is still determining the cause of the malfunction.
